Meet Dr. Michael Smith

For me, dentistry is about much more than treating teeth; it’s about building trust, improving quality of life, and forming long-term relationships with the people I care for. Every patient comes in with their own goals, concerns, and experiences, and that’s what makes this profession so meaningful. I take the time to listen, understand what matters most to you, and create a treatment approach that feels right for your needs.

Whether I’m helping improve your bite, restore comfort, or support your long-term oral health, I focus on a conservative, detail-oriented approach. My goal is always to provide care that is thoughtful, precise, and built to last. Being a trusted part of my patients’ lives and seeing the positive impact that care can have is what I find most rewarding about what I do.

Education and Experience

My path into dentistry wasn’t traditional. I first earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia and then worked in an office environment supporting more than 700 dental practices. Through that experience, I had the opportunity to interact with dentists every day and see firsthand the difference they made in their patients’ lives. That insight and the relationships I witnessed ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry.

I went on to earn my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry in 2020. After dental school, I completed an intensive one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency with the U.S. Navy at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. During that time, I trained closely with specialists in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics, while also developing advanced skills in digital dentistry.

My time in the Navy included two overseas deployments with the Seabees, followed by two years caring for Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Those experiences strengthened my ability to provide comprehensive, adaptable care in a wide range of situations.

Continuing education remains a big part of my professional growth. I regularly travel to Irvine to attend advanced dental symposiums, where I learn from some of the leading experts in the field. These programs focus on areas like cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, clear aligner therapy, and dentures, allowing me to bring the latest techniques and innovations back to my patients.

At Home

Outside of the office, my wife, Dominika, and I enjoy spending time together exploring everything the area has to offer. We love cooking! I'll usually take care of the grilling and smoking while she handles the rest. You’ll often find me mountain biking on local trails or road biking along the coast on the weekends. We’re always looking for new places to explore and are excited about what the future holds for our growing family.